Independent Commission Launches Investigation into Premier League Champion

An independent commission will begin hearings on Monday regarding more than 100 charges against the current Premier League champions. If convicted, the most severe penalties could include points deduction and even possible forced relegation. The club's management vehemently denies all allegations. Javier Tebas, a long-time critic and chairman of the Spanish league, told the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo that "many Premier League clubs believe the club should be punished." Pep Guardiola, the manager of the Premier League champions, agreed that many of the competitors in the top English league desire his club to be punished but appealed for patience and the independence of the commission. "Maybe Tebas is right. Certainly, all Premier League teams would like us to be punished. I unusually agree with him there – and hopefully for the last time. But it is important that we wait for the judgment of the independent commission. In a modern democracy, the judiciary is crucial, so let's just wait for the decision," Guardiola stressed. He noted that neither he nor his players have legal expertise and that they would accept the panel's decision. "It starts soon and hopefully ends soon. An independent panel will decide. I look forward to the judgment," he said. Guardiola further stated that he neither discusses the matter with club staff nor with his players, and is glad that the hearing will commence soon. "We are not legal experts. Erling (Haaland) is not a legal expert, so we don’t talk about it. We await the panel's decision and will respect the ruling. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty," concluded Guardiola.